AKRON, Ohio - University of Akron President Matthew Wilson told faculty, staff and students at the University of Central Florida on Friday that the institution has "incredible" potential and he can lead it to greatness.

"I believe UCF traditionally has been an underdog and people don't understand its greatness and the impact it is making," said Wilson, one of four finalists for president of the Orlando-based school. "As president, my mission is to be out in front as the face and spokesman."

Wilson spoke for 30 minutes and answered several questions at the hour-long forum, which was broadcast on YouTube.

He was the first of four finalists to appear on campus. All were asked to talk about "What is the future of "Scale x Excellence = Impact" at UCF?

Wilson mentioned his connection with Orlando and the university several times. He practiced law in the city before leaving in 2003 to begin his academic career.

"Fifteen years ago I made my wife a pledge when we left - and she didn't want to leave - that we would return to Florida one day," he said. "I hope this is the opportunity to do that."

He spoke of his many accomplishments at the University of Akron, where he was named president in 2016 after President Scott Scarborough resigned following a tumultuous two years.

"Right now, as president of the University of Akron, what we have been able to create is a sense of home, family and community," Wilson said. "Something I would strive and make my goal is to increase the impact at UCF. No one is a number, everyone is a family member. Home is Orlando for us."

His international experience, negotiating and advocacy skills and ability to build bridges and work with local, state, national and international officials would be put to great use at UCF, he said.

The university could have a global impact and he is the one who could make that happen, he said.

"UCF is an incredible institution and it is time to take the next step up," he said. "It is time to come back to Orlando and share my experiences, outlook, energy and enthusiasm with you.

"I am incredibly responsive and accessible to faculty, staff and students," he added. 'I am available 20/7. I have to get four hours of sleep."

He said he has "a knack" for getting media attention for an institution and would promote the university throughout the state.

"I have got the experience in finance and resources and have turned around program after program in every place I have been," he said.

According to his speech and responses to questions, he would raise funds, maximize resources, increase scholarships, support research and find innovative ways to add programs.

He would also improve parking problems and increase sustainability efforts, which could include increasing the temperature in buildings.

In response to a question from a student about campus safety, he said that would be a priority and he would increase communication to students.

"I have been known to be the students' president," he said of his tenure at UA.

Wilson spent two days on campus to meet with students, faculty, alumni and community members. The other finalists are:

Suresh Garimella, executive vice president for research and partnerships, Purdue University

The board of trustees will interview the four finalists on Friday, March 9 and are expected to announce their selection later that morning.

On March 29, the Florida Board of Governors, which oversees the state's 12 public universities, will meet to confirm the selection.

In his letter to the presidential search committee, Wilson wrote that now is the perfect time in his career to leave Ohio and return to Orlando, where he and his family had always wanted to settle down.

Wilson sent his letter on Feb. 14, one day before eight semi-finalists were named. He wrote that he was invited to apply.

UCF President John C. Hitt announced last October that he would retire effective June 30 after serving for 26 years. In 2016, Hitt's total compensation included a salary of $505,967, a bonus of $164,475, a contribution of $101,146 to an annuity and university-provided housing and car.

The university has an enrollment of around 66,000, the largest in the state.

"This position at UCF has been filled for 26 years, so it is not something that comes around often," Wilson wrote in the letter to the UA campus after he was named one of eight finalists. "In my mind, it is at least worth having the conversation."